CLARINGTON, ONTARIO – Clarington residents are about to get a huge new recreation facility as the first phase of the South Bowmanville Recreation Center is nearing completion.
The first phase, which is on the Clarington Fields lands and designed by MJMA, is an investment in the neighborhood of $65 million and it is expected to open this fall.
Building a new facility to offer a wide variety of sports, recreational and community services, with facilities that will serve residents all year long.
Indoor sports at the heart of the project
A FIFA-sized multi-sport dome with a three-lane indoor walking track will be one of the first phase’s premier features.
The complex will also include two fully accessible FIBA-sized basketball courts. The courts are for multiple sports and activities including pickleball, tennis and volleyball and have perimeter bench seating for spectators and participants.
Additional multi-purpose rooms will provide space for fitness and recreation programming.
The center will also have an open-concept change area, with benches and lockers, to support the facility’s sporting and recreational activities.
Emphasis on accessibility and community needs
The first phase has also been designed with spaces to meet different community needs.
There will be a dedicated quiet room for sensory breaks, prayer, meditation, stretching and quiet reflection.
The project will include an outdoor refrigerated skating trail that will provide skating opportunities year-round.
There will be additional parking and landscaping around the site, plus a new intersection and road infrastructure to improve access to the recreation center.
A second phase is planned for 2027.
The South Bowmanville Recreation Center is coming in two phases.
The second phase, with a price tag estimated at $53.5 million, is slated to open in 2027 and will dramatically expand the facility’s aquatic and outdoor recreation offerings.
There are plans for an outdoor splash pad and playground, which will provide children and families with even more recreational options.
In the second phase, an aquatics center will be included, with a 25m main pool, warm-water pool and large viewing areas.
The aquatic facilities will provide for a range of activities including lane swimming, public swimming, swimming lessons and aquafit classes.
More room for recreation and water programs
Phase two will also include additional multipurpose rooms to increase the centre’s capacity for fitness and recreation programs.
Some of these spaces will be near the pool to support aquatic leadership programming.
The extension will also have a range of changing facilities and provision for lifeguards and other staff.
Plans also include extensive on-deck storage and staff changing facilities.
Once both phases are complete, the South Bowmanville Recreation Center will give Clarington a significantly expanded recreation hub, with indoor and outdoor sports facilities, aquatic facilities, fitness programming and community-focused spaces.
